Washington, D.C. (October 14, 2025) – HWG LLP is pleased to announce that Jocelyn Aqua has joined the firm as Chair of the Data, Privacy, and Cybersecurity Practice Group and as a member of the Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies Practice Group. A nationally recognized leader with more than 20 years of experience in government, consulting, and industry, Jocelyn brings deep knowledge of data privacy, cybersecurity, and AI governance.
Jocelyn has advised organizations on designing and implementing global privacy programs, AI governance frameworks, cybersecurity controls, national security requirements, and cross-border data transfer mechanisms. She also helps them navigate the complex interplay of global, federal, and state laws to ensure compliance with evolving regulatory standards. Her work spans industries, including technology, telecommunications, law, consumer retail, consulting, healthcare, defense, financial services, and hospitality.
“Jocelyn’s breadth of knowledge, combined with her leadership across both government and industry, makes her an invaluable advisor to clients navigating evolving regulatory and technological landscapes,” said HWG Chair John Nakahata. “Her practical approach and understanding of regulatory expectations will be a tremendous asset as our clients face complex legal challenges.”
Prior to joining HWG, Jocelyn was a Principal at PwC, where she served as a Data, Risk, Privacy, and AI Governance Principal, advising clients on designing and implementing AI governance frameworks, privacy and data protection programs, incident response protocols, cross-border data transfer mechanisms, and regulatory risk assessments to enhance organizational governance maturity and compliance. Additionally, as the Data, Privacy & Ethics Leader for PwC Products & Technology, she built and led a 40-person global team responsible for data governance, privacy, accessibility, and AI governance. Jocelyn also served as interim Global Chief Privacy Officer at Citi, where she led enterprise-wide privacy and data governance initiatives and managed a global privacy and records compliance organization.
Earlier in her career, she held senior national security and data protection roles at the U.S. Department of Justice and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, shaping U.S. and international frameworks for data sharing, cross-border transfers, and cybersecurity compliance.
“Jocelyn’s arrival underscores HWG’s commitment to growing our strength at the intersection of privacy, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies,” said Managing Partner Jennifer Bagg. “Her leadership and vision will enhance our client service and the development of our practices firmwide.”
Outside of her client work, Jocelyn serves as External General Counsel to the AI Trust Foundation, a global nonprofit advancing responsible AI governance and innovation, as a Senior Fellow with the Future of Privacy Forum, a global nonprofit that serves as a catalyst for data privacy leadership and scholarship, and advisor and lecturer at the Digital Democracy Lab at William & Mary Law School. She is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) through the International Association of Privacy Professionals. Jocelyn earned her J.D. from The George Washington University Law School, her M.A. from The George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs, and her B.A. from Pennsylvania State University.